Unai Emery has admitted that becoming the manager of Barcelona, Real Madrid or Atletico is the next step in his career, but it is too big of a barrier to break. In a candid chat with journalist Aritz Gabilondo for Diario AS, the four-time Europa League winner reflected on several aspects.
Emery, 51, has had a successful career in Spain, having managed Valencia, Sevilla, and Villarreal throughout his illustrious tenure. During this time, he has won the Europa League thrice with Sevilla and once with Villarreal.
Not only that, but he also took Arsenal right until the semi-final of the European competition and last season, when he was at Villarreal, he guided the Yellow Submarines to the final four of the UEFA Champions League.
A serial winner as it may seem but Emery never really got the opportunity to manage the heavyweights of Spain, which he sees as the next step for him. But he added that landing the top job at either Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, and Barcelona is very difficult for any manager.
“[Leaving for the Premier League] is natural,” said the Europa League specialist.
“We all have to look for competitive challenges. I have been fortunate to be in three clubs in Spain behind the highest level: Valencia, Sevilla, and Villarreal.
“From that gratitude, then the next step in Spain would be to train Atletico, [Real] Madrid, and Barça. But breaking that barrier is very difficult.
“The Premier gives me the opportunity to continue growing. Of course, Seville, Villarreal or Valencia also give it to me, but here I find new difficulties. And, let’s not forget, the Premier is home to the best teams of investors, coaches and players in the world,” he added.
Emery’s Aston Villa tenure has been nothing short of any revelation, to say the least. Since moving to the Premier League in October last year, Villa have scored in all 20 league games with him at the helm. Having been 17th in the table at the time, they are now placed fifth.
